Roger Federer: Why the Machine Will Reclaim His Throne Atop Tennis World

Despite the unbelievable year that Novak Djokovic had in 2011, the second half of last year and the first week of 2012 show that there are other candidates to step up and make a statement this season.

Last year, Roger Federer had an amazing run winning Basel, Paris and the World Tour Finals in London, all in the second semester and sent a message as for in what kind of shape he could start 2012.

The first week of this year had Milos Raonic winning in Chennai, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga winning in Qatar with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nada in the draw, and Andy Murray capturing the title in Brisbane, as expected.

With this kind of field set, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume and expect the youngsters to step up, and since Roger Federer is the oldest among the top contenders, it would also be natural not to expect him to take over the top of the tennis world again.

There are a few reasons, however, that could prove the above statement wrong.

On the motivational side, Federer is as pumped up as he could be in his battle for a great late-career run that would make him retire with even more class and style. It is very unlikely that he will go out without at least one more major under his belt.

Although he pulled out of Doha with a back injury, it shouldn’t be anything major and he continues to be the healthiest player among the top competitors. His effortless way of playing and the professional way in which he takes care of his body keeps him from getting hurt, so he can play more tournaments in top shape.

Furthermore, the Swiss has fewer points to defend until the US Open than Djokovic and Nadal have. Unless the Serbian and the Spaniard perform close to perfection in the first part of the year, it is possible that Federer reclaims the No.1 ranking in the US before the summer is over.

With the eyes of the tennis world on Novak Djokovic and how well he will perform in comparison to last year, Federer will be able fly under the radar with fewer off-court distractions, which will allow him to focus more on the matches only.

There is also the fact that he is already one of the most accomplished players of all time and has little to prove to anybody else, which takes even more pressure away from him. One doesn’t want to face a loose Roger Federer playing with no pressure.

Expect the Swiss to make a huge statement in 2012, because besides all that, of course, nobody plays tennis like Roger Federer.